DPR RI Member's Statement on Indonesian Citizens in Somalia
Makassar (ANTARA) - Member of DPR RI Commission I Syamsu Rizal MI stated that the government is still striving to secure the release of Indonesian citizens (WNI) believed to be held hostage on the tanker MT Honour 25 following its hijacking on 21 April 2026 in Somalia.
“The key point is a comprehensive approach; we continue to pursue it,” said DPR RI Commission I member Syamsu Rizal MI on the sidelines of the Grand Deliberation of the Hasanuddin University Alumni Association in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday.
He conveyed that the government, through the Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection (PWNI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, along with Foreign Minister Sugiono, continues to build communication and coordinate with relevant parties as a diplomatic effort to free the hostages.
“Certainly, we are monitoring it; Director PWNI Mrs Heni and Mr Foreign Minister have coordinated directly. The essence is that we will pursue all means, both diplomacy and approaches to ‘non-state actors’,” said the former Deputy Mayor of Makassar.
To date, the Indonesian government continues to oversee the release of the hostages, including the four WNI.
His side emphasised that the protection of Indonesians abroad is a constitutional mandate that cannot be compromised.
The government continues to monitor developments while striving for all hostages to be saved, including the WNI held by pirates.
“The condition of the victims is currently reported to be good. Hopefully, our four people can be released soon. To date, there is assurance that they are still healthy,” he said.
Previously, the Oman-flagged tanker Honour 25, carrying oil, was hijacked by Somali pirates on 21 April 2026. A total of 17 crew members were taken hostage, including four WNI.
The families of the victims in South Sulawesi hope that the central government can bring them back safely, even though the pirates have threatened the victims and demanded ransom for their release.